Fatherland

This is a very well done film, and I agree with some of the other reviewers that this film is even better than the book. (By the way, the book is superb as well, and also merits five stars). This is one of those wonderful films in which the musical score adds an extra dimension to the mood, and Gary Chang deserves kudos for his work here. Rutger Hauer turns in an outstanding performance as Xavier March, once again proving that this underrated actor is a considerable talent. Overall this movie absolutely convinces the viewer about how our world might have been. And thank God is not.

I trust that this superb film will soon be available on DVD.


A bit disappointing after the book   December 22, 2001
Anna Otto (Seattle, WA United States)
5 out of 9 found this review helpful

I must say, as a disclaimer, that a lot of movies look disappointing after a great book. The pictures in my head are always more entertaining than what I see on the screen. That said, I think the movie was as good as it could have been. It clearly looks as though the people making it had some fun (if that's the right word) creating an image of "Germania," the united Germany Empire after Hitler won the WWII. The first few minutes of watching the movie are so disconcerting that one wants to look away from the swasticas and images of content citizens everywhere. What do you say when SS are actually the good guys? Still, once you get used to this warped atmosphere, it's possible to enjoy the movie for what it is... a good thriller. It's not more and not less. According to the premise, Russia is still fighting the war on the Eastern front, and America and Germania are deciding whether to combine their forces and restore peace once and for all. But would that truly happen if the secret of Holocaust, that everyone is trying to cover up, comes to light?

The acting was impeccable but not outstanding. I think this movie is worth seeing, but I'd recommend sticking to the book and keeping the picture R. Harris paints in the novel.


One of Hauer's Better Roles In A Chilling "What If" Movie...   February 3, 2000
Armando M. Mesa (Chandler, AZ)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is a very chilling and vivid tale of the world in an alternate historical path; What if Hitler had been the victorious hero and lived to see his vision of the Third Reich come to fruition for the rest of Europe and possibly the world ! With this in mind, Fatherland is a true suspense thriller with awesome actors and a believable 60's set design and nostalgic, yet somewhat futuristic wardrobe ( although the film's events take place in an alternate past). Rutger Hauer is one of today's most underappreciated actors and Miranda Richardson is very convincing as an American journalist. The most disturbing role of all is played by Jean Marsh as an extremely bitter Nazi actress; Listen to a very chiling line about the "resettling" of the Jews. This one particular line is very shocking and haunting ! It serves as the underlying basis for the plot in this film.


What happened if we lost the war?   January 30, 2000
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This movie is a great cinematic release of the origional text. The book is, by far, better than the film, however the film paints a vivid, picture of what Nazi Germany would look like if it had lived to the 1960's - with color video and sound. Excellent viewing, recommended. A+ for HBO.


So, what if... SS-CSI : Berlin? (((lol)))   April 6, 2005
Paul Lopez (Albany, NY)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

First off... I have never read the book, so no
comparisons from me on that point.

I first started watching this movie on HBO back
in the early 90's, but was interupted by visiting
friends and never got back to it. But the first
half hour of what I did see stayed with me enough
to want to search for this movie several years
later.

Viola... Amazon comes through AGAIN!

The movie starts out with some news reel footage
and a voice over explanation of the events that
follow the repulsion of the Allied invasion of
Normandy (remember: this IS a "what if" movie) that
leads to Nazi Germany's victory in Europe and takes
the viewer to the "present"... 1964.

(Note the billboard advertisment for The BEATLES'
first album)

The movie is essentially a crime drama, pure and
simple. Acting is good, attention to "period" detail
is on the money, and the story flows nicely. It is
easy to develope a "feel" for the story line early
on. One soon gets a sense that there is something
deeper and more sinister going on than a "simple"
murder investigation. To say more would give the
plot away. The ending was somewhat disappointing,
but not distractingly so. And fans of Rutger Haur
should appreciate his portrayal of SS Inspector
March.

All-in-all, a very good movie.
(how about someday a "Director's Cut" DVD ?!?)